Emanuel names panel to foster tech sector diversity

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday announced the formation of a Technology Industry Diversity Council to focus on creating more opportunities for minorities in the tech sector.

The council will be asked to find ways to increase the percentage of minority employees at tech firms, to increase the number of minority-owned and operated tech firms and to help Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago prepare students for tech jobs.

The council will have four months to come up with a first set of recommendations.

The members of the council are Josh Hernandez, of Walk.by; Eddie Lou, of Shiftgig; David Zapata, of Zapwater Communications; Roger Martinez, of Quantum Crossings; Ian Hood, of CGN Blackwell Global Consulting; Neal Sales-Griffin, of Starter League; Emile Cambry, of Cibola; Talia Mashiach, of Eved; Darrell Higueros, of Next Generation; Seyi Fabode, of Power2Switch; Nancy Joseph-Ridge, of Takeda; and Daniel Salcedo, of Mobcart.

Individuals interested in interacting with the council can email techdiversitycouncil@cityofchicago.org.